I just got a Yamaha YFL-881 used and I would like to know if the pads used on the YFL-881 are the same as used on the student or intermediate flutes or does Yamaha place better pads on this flute since it's a pro model.

I'm not sure how much help I can be here, but I'll try.
I have a Yamaha 881, I got it 3 years ago. I really like a lot of things about it. I might give it a C# trill key, and a split E for when I haven't played for 3 weeks, but otherwise it's a dandy flute with a lovely light fast mechanism.
The pads on this flute are yellow, 'treated' (with what I'm not sure) ones. They (and the mechanism) have held adjustments very well, which is good since there are no adjustment screws on the flute-a possible design flaw in many opinions, but my flute hasn't had any adjustment problems. I get a clean, oil, adjust once a year and the local flute guy runs his leak-finder light through it more often, and has never found a problem.
From some of what I have heard here, the soldered tone holes on this model make for an extremely level surface which makes the padding/adjustment more easily made accurate.
As far as better or more expensive pads, I don't know except that the pads on my flute have been just dandy as far as wear, leaks, adjustment, etc. are concerned.

I was just curious if the pads used on pro model Yamaha flutes are of better quality than pads used on student flutes.

I just recently viewed an 800 series and I am not sure if it had the origninal pads or not, but they looked like the harder pads that are used on the 500 and up series. I am almost positive that the 800 series is going to have different pads then that of say a 200 or 300 series. You might want to try calling Yamaha directly and asking them. I hope you like your flute. I fell in love with the one that I was able to try.

I ask about pads because the pads on mine 881 are old and I wonder how much longer they will last. I am hoping that Yamaha uses better pads on their pro models and that they will last longer.

It depends a lot on how acidic your saliva is. I rarely get more than about 3-4 years out of a set of pads before they're shot(apparently on the shorter end of the scale). New pads and a tune-up are a good thing, much like getting new tires and brakes on your car. It's nice when everything works like new again

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I forgot to mention - I think they're all about the same. Any good shop will carry the right ones since it's a pretty common model.

I have to agree with Kara. Yamaha flutes and their pads are wonderful.

I have only ever owned a Haynes (early 60s') and Powell --- but I had the pleasure of playing a Yamaha at (the former)Sid Sherman's music in Chicago, and I was very impressed.

I have since talked with a flute-repair shop (and they repair all of the flutes for all of the members of the CSO) and was told that Yamaha flutes are great --- and the pads come as close to the "human" finger-pads as can be.

So, I would suggest you contact Yamaha, or your Yamaha rep to find out just what is wrong with your pads.

Yamaha is a very accommodating company --- and they'll go out of their way to ensure your satisfaction with their instrument.

Regards, Jim Millen

I was just curious if the pads used on pro model Yamaha flutes are of better quality than pads used on student flutes.

Most flute makers use pads made by Pisoni. They will be better quality than student model pads.

Pad life is highly dependent on setup and installation technique (and habits of the player). Saliva has very little to do with pad life. A good felt pad installation can last 20-30 years and does in many instances. Unless you are really hard on an instrument (and I mean brutal combined with "old school" padding techniques) you will get many years of life out of your pads.

They don't come setup from the factory like that however. That's needs to be done at some point later on.

Joe B